Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion is significantly reduced during uncomplicated coronary artery bypass surgery: A prospective observational study

Objectives: Longitudinal shortening constitutes most of the right ventricle (RV) contraction in the normal heart. However, after even uncomplicated cardiac surgery with preserved RV function a significant and sustained decrease in longitudinal contraction expressed as a reduction in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) has been observed. Why and exactly when this happens remains unsettled. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and timing of changes in TAPSE in relation to sternotomy, pericardial opening, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and chest closure.

Methods: Fifty patients with normal preoperative ejection fraction and no valvulopathy, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with the use of CPB, were included. TAPSE was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at baseline and immediately after chest closure. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed at the following time points: after (1) anesthesia induction and transthoracic echocardiography; (2) sternotomy; (3) pericardiotomy; (4) completion of CPB; and (5) chest closure.

Results: TAPSE was significantly reduced to approximately half of its initial value in all patients (from 22 [95% confidence interval, 21-23 mm] after anesthesia induction to 9 [95% confidence interval, 8-10 mm] after chest closure). No change was seen after pericardiotomy. The most prominent reduction (30%-40%) was observed after weaning from CPB. An additional significant decrease of 13% to 16% was seen after chest closure.

Conclusions: TAPSE was consistently reduced to approximately half of its initial value after uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The reduction happened mainly after weaning from CPB, possibly reflecting conformational change of the RV.